I Trust You'll Treat Her Well

I Trust You'll Treat Her Well

Author: Victor Buono

Dear World,

I bequeath to you today one little girl...in a crisp dress...with two green eyes...and a happy laugh that ripples all day long.. and a flash of blond hair that bounces in the sun when she runs.
I trust you'll treat her well.
She's slipping out of the backyard of my heart this morning...and skipping off down the street to her first day of school. And never again will she be completely mine.
Prim and proud she'll wave her young and independent hand this morning and say "Goodbye" and walk with little lady steps to the schoolhouse.
Now she'll learn to stand in lines...and wait by the alphabet for her name to be called.
She'll learn to tune her ears for the sounds of school-bells...and deadlines...and she'll learn to giggle...and gossip...and look at the ceiling in a disinterested way when the little boy 'cross the aisle sticks out his tongue at her.
And now she'll learn to be jealous.
And now she'll learn how it is to feel hurt inside.
And now she'll learn how not to cry.
No longer will she have time to sit on the front porch on a summer day and watch an ant scurry across the crack in the sidewalk.
Nor will she have time to pop out of bed with the dawn and kiss lilac blooms in the morning dew. No, now she'll worry about those important things...like grades and which dress to wear and whose best friends is whose.
And the magic of books and learning will replace the magic of her blocks and dolls.
And now she'll find new heroes.
For five full years now I've been her sage and Santa Claus and pal and playmate and mother and friend.
Now she'll learn to share her worship with her teachers ...which is only right.
But no longer will I be the smartest woman in the whole world.
Today when that school bell rings for the first time...she'll learn what it means to be a member of the group...with all its privileges and its disadvantages too.
She'll learn in time that proper young ladies do not laugh out loud...or kiss dogs...or keep frogs in pickle jars in bedrooms...or even watch ants scurry across cracks in sidewalks in the summer.
Today she'll learn for the first time that all who smile at her are not her friends.
And I'll stand on the front porch and watch her start out on the long, lonely journey to becoming a woman.
So, world, I bequeath to you today one little girl...in a crisp dress...with two green eyes...and a flash of blond hair that bounces in the sunlight when she runs.
I trust you'll treat her well.

Thank you, Meredith, for reminding me about this awesome poem. It's been a while since I have heard it, but it certainly does have special meaning as our baby girls start a new aspect of their lives. I already told Mer, but I was a blubbering fool when I read this on her blog yesterday, so of course, I had to steal it and put it on mine so Ashleigh would have some idea how this part of her life makes me feel. I love that little girl so very much and she has touched my life in ways I could have never imagined.

Sleep Tight!

Kindergarten Is Here

She did it, my baby started Kindergarten today at Big Kid's School. I She did just fine, and she really enjoyed her day. I think I was probably more emotional yesterday than today because it was our last full day together and just getting everything together made me realize it was really happening. She was nervous this morning...she wouldn't eat breakfast and said her tummy hurt. I'm sure it was the butterflies making her tummy hurt. But when it was time to walk in her classroom she marched right in and sat in her chair like a big girl. It happened so fast that I didn't even have a chance to say goodbye to her. That was probably a blessing because I'm certain that would have choked me up. Last night as Brian was putting her to bed, she said "Mommy, are you proud of me for going to Kindergarten?" Luckily Brian was giving her a piggy back ride to bed, so she didn't see me lose it. But I have been real good since then. I feel better that Auntie Rae teaches there now so she can keep her eye out. Sydney had a great day too and says she loves her new teacher! Here are a few pictures from the morning:

I have some fears that I can't seem to get out of my mind. Here are a few of them: I’m scared about bully’s making fun of her. I’m scared about her being too shy. I’m scared about her not making friends. I’m scared that her teacher won’t like her the MOST. I’m scared she’ll be behind because she is so young. I’m scared that she won’t understand the new rules. I'm scared she won't be able to open her lunch items like her juice box or chips. I'm scared she won't know how to go through the lunch line and carry her tray when she buys her lunch. I'm scared she'll make friends with the bad students. I’m scared to death that my girl is growing up so fast…it really scares me and I can’t control so much as she starts big kid school. Okay, maybe that was more than a few items, but you get the picture. I have to put my faith and trust in the school, her teacher, God, and trust my little girl to take the things we have taught her to make the best decisions she possibly can. Okay, enough of that!

Ashleigh and I went to Burger's Lake yesterday with the Harris', the female York's, Carrie, Sherry, and Tyler. Brittany and Tyler also brought friends. We had a lot of fun for the last day of summer vacation. My chest got a little sunburned...I haven't been in the sun much this summer (I know, SHOCKER, I'm usually a Sun Goddess).

Saturday, Ashleigh and I got our back to school haircuts at Tina's. It's funny because the past two times I've been to Tina's I have forgotten to pay for something she did. The 1st time it was my highlights...I'm supposed to pay a little extra on top of my regular color...forgot! So I paid up next time. The next time I had my brows waxed...I was too busy paying for my late highlights and forgot to pay for my brow wax. So this past Saturday I said "Okay, I'm paying for my brow wax from last time, Ashleigh's cut, my color and cut, AND I want my brows waxed again". So paid for all of that....Guess what? I walked out of there without my brow wax. hehehe, too funny!! I guess it is just payback for continuously forgetting to pay for stuff!! I know you read this Tina, don't forget you owe me a waxing!! :-) I thought that was hilarious!!!

We went to Justin (Kevin's nephew and Carrie's son) and Brittany's wedding on Friday. It was a cute church, nice ceremony (with a couple of laughs), and a lovely reception. When we arrived in the chapel and sat down in the pew it felt like it was going to break...I guess they all felt that way because they seemed quite old. So Brian and I sat on either end of the pew as to put our weight on the legs of the pew. People must have thought we were fighting or something, but can you imagine it breaking in the middle of the ceremony?!?! That is something that WOULD happen to us. And then, the preacher was having them repeat some stuff and he would forget to stop and have them repeat it and would read like a whole paragraph for them to repeat and say "Oh, let me back up so you can remember". He did that with both of them. Too funny! I really wish all the best for them. They are so young...20 years old. They have an 8-month old together so I really hope they can make it work. Thank You to the Rogers for watching the Girls for us. It didn't even start until 7:30...well after Addy starts needing to go to bed, so it was very helpful!!

We're going camping next weekend at Albert Pike in Arkansas. We really enjoyed that location last year and it looks like it is shaping up to be another real good time! Stay tuned!

Goodness, I'm tired, and it's only 9:45. I better start heading that way. By the time I get there it will be WELL after 10:00. Sleep Tight!!

Meet The Teacher

We met Ashleigh's teacher tonight, Mrs. Roberts, at "Meet The Teacher" night and to say "I'm relieved" is an understatement. She seems so nice and so enthusiastic about the start of the school year. Before we left, I could tell Ash was pretty nervous. She said she didn't want to go and hid in the kitchen for a minute or two when we were talking about it. But she quickly relaxed about it and became pretty anxious to go to her new classroom. She immediately embraced Mrs. Roberts when we walked in the room and was so excited to sit at her desk. And then she didn't want to leave. So I was glad about that and also glad that they have this opportunity for them to meet their teacher and be in their classroom so that the 1st day isn't so overwhelming. That's the hope anyway! Stay tuned for Monday's blog! While we were there, we signed up for the PTA and bought Ash a couple of school shirts. Thank you to Aunt Ally for getting Ash a Kindergarten care package. It was her pencil box with some of her school supplies in it and Ash was so excited about it.

After we left the school I had to go to Parent Night at the high school for Brittany's band. I've been to everyone since Brittany was a freshman, so of course I was going, she is a senior after all. It's actually been pretty easy the past 2 years since she is a Drum Major because they make the parents learn some marching steps. Oh, let me back up...I'm Brittany's "parent" at these things because the 1st year Brittany pulled me out there with her while RC played parent to another student who didn't have a parent there, so now it's just tradition and RC and Kev refuse to do it. I enjoy doing it. Since SHS is a fairly new school, it's amazing to see how the band has grown in size. The 1st year the school was open, Brittany was a freshman and they only had freshmen and sophomores, then year 2 they had freshmen, sophomores, and juniors. Well, you get the picture. I'm so proud of that girl. She will be majoring in Music when she goes to college in the hopes that she will be able to perform with an orchestra. If she doesn't get a spot performing, she will teach music. She's very dedicated to it.

I'm taking off work tomorrow to get some things done. I am going to Target to get Justin and his fiance' Brittany a wedding gift, they are getting married tomorrow night. Oh, Justin is Kevin and RC's nephew or Kevin's sister's son. I am happy for them, they have a daughter, Haley, about a month older than Addy. Then I need to go to Sam's to get formula and a knowing me, a few other things as well. As of now, my Mom is going to take Ash and Pey somewhere for a few hours.

The Gold Medal match for Men's Beach Volleyball is about to start, gotta go! Sleep Tight!

Chicken Fried Steak Night

Every once in a while RC will say "It's time for a chicken fried steak" night and we're like "it's about time!". Really, I'm not a big chicken fried steak fan, but Brian LOVES it and RC's is pretty good! And she makes a real good homemade cream gravy. Of course, I make my homemade mashed potatoes...I made 8 pounds worth and there wasn't that much left either. I let Steve take the leftovers home since he is my biggest fan. ha! Addy had her 1st taste of them and didn't seem to enjoy it too much. We'll give her a little bit more time. Anyway, it was a very yummy dinner!

We have "Meet The Teacher" night at Ashleigh's school tomorrow. Her teacher's name is Erica Roberts and we've already corresponded via email. She seems very nice and coincidentally also has two young girls. I can't talk about my baby going to Kindergarten very much, I get too emotional. I'm sure it will all come flooding out on the 1st day of school. But I'm doing my best to ensure that Ash is her favorite student! :)

My Dad is at the Jersey Shore all week and we are so jealous. I can't even tell you how adulthood has affected my tan. I want to be sunbathing on the white, fine sand and riding the waves. I want to eat ice cream from the ice cream man on the beach. I want to eat subs on the beach everyday for lunch. I want to go to Mento's after dinner to get some water ice or a twist with chocolate jimmies. Uncle Richard and Aunt Sharon plus their kids were there for a few days too and I would have LOVED to see them. Aunt Sharon is all of our biggest blog fan and we love spending time with them, they are so funny! Hopefully we will get to see them soon.

I'm going to be sad when the Olympics are over. I'm enjoying them tremendously! There has been so many GREAT moments. I am so tired though, from staying up late, particularly to watch gymnastics. Of course, it's over now, and now I'm watching the gold medal match for women's beach volleyball. These girls are so awesome! I've never seen May and Walsh lose but they are playing the Chinese team that is the last team to beat them in international play...scary! Okay, it's getting good, I must GO!! Sleep tight!

A Nice Weekend

The weekend started with a scrapbooking date with some of my girlfriends. It was Meredith's turn to host and she lives in Carrollton. So I went to Bedford first to pick up Deena, then on to Mer's from there. I finally started Addy's book and did her "Meet and Greet" page. For those of you who don't habla, the Meet and Greet was in lieu of a baby shower. I didn't want a baby shower since I already had one with Ash, so we had a party after Addy was born for everyone to come over and meet her, hosted by friends and sisters. And yes, people brought gifts, but I felt so bad about that. That's just me. Everyone was so very generous! Anyway, and then I did Valentine's Day for 2007 and 2008 in Ash's book, primarily the Father/Daughter Dance. We always have a good time when we can get together to scrapbook. I wish we could all afford the time to do it more often.

Then last night the Harris' and the York's finally made it to Putt-Putt so they took Ashleigh with them, which was nice of them. They said Ash gave up playing by the 7th hole, she was over it. But she really enjoyed riding the little rides they had there! You can go look at Ally's blog for some photos. Then they went to Red Robin for dinner. Mind you, we fed Ash dinner before they left for Putt-Putt, but when they asked her if she had, she said no. Luckily, they made Ash and Pey share a hamburger meal. That girl, she will eat and eat!

Today I have gotten a lot of laundry done, and FINALLY got Brian to fix the two toilets. The one in the master bath has been running for months. We are constantly turning the valve on and off to use it and then stop the water from running. Well, I guess the little valve had enough of that, because a few days ago the valve broke and wouldn't shut off the water anymore...and it was soooo loud with it running...I had to shut the door while we were sleeping and it still kept me awake!! And the girl's toilet broke just the other day...the seat kept going side to side, I guess one of the bolts holding it in place broke. But the amazing part is that he finished ALL OF IT in 30 minutes...the teeth pulling it took to get him to do it, I would have thought it would take like 5 hours or something!! Geesh, but at least it's done. I also got him to hang some photos I have had framed for 5 months...Addy has finally made it on the wall!! While the screw driver was out, I also talked him into hanging the hammocks I bought for Ashleigh's room to get all of her "babies" off the floor...I kicked that darned basket they were in every time I walked to her closet, so I was thrilled more than anyone to get those hammocks hung!

We also went to the snow cone stand this evening...Ash has been asking for quite some time now, so today was the day! Of course, it started sprinkling on us while we were there, but it was okay.

I just gave Brian a haircut. I'm sure I'll hear about it from Kevin...I've been cutting his too and he tells me to call him whenever I do Brian's. But Brian always calls me i to do his as he's getting in the shower, so there is never opportunity to call Kevin. Don't worry Kevin, let me know when you're ready! I can only do haircut that require only clippers...no scissors for me!

Brittany went with her boyfriend's family to drop him of at college at A&M today...a very sad day for Brittany and Little Brian...I feel for them. It should be interesting to see how it all turns out. They have been together for so long now. RC said it best...luckily Brittany will be busy with band and marching season! They have web cams, so hopefully that will help a little!?!?

Here is a little video from Ashleigh's birthday:

Everyone had so much fun on that slide! Even some of the adults!

Well, it's 10:30, and a work night, so I better start winding down so I can be in bed by 11:0o or so. I hope you all have a GREAT week! Sleep Tight!

Addy Determined

My goodness, it is definitely time for me to start shopping for play yards. You know, those fenced in areas to keep your child restricted to a certain area. Here is a video of just how determined that baby girl is to destroy my wrapping paper.

It's hard for me to get any work done when she is on the floor, because though she isn't quite crawling, she is scooting to wherever it is she feels like she needs to be. I think starting tomorrow, her tummy/floor time will have to be in the evening only so I have more time to chase her down...at least until I can buy a play yard. It is exciting to see her get around, though! Oh, and she cut her 6th tooth last week! She's got a mouthful!

Work has been busy as usual this week. Same story, different day.

I took Ashleigh to Ally's today so she could go with the York's to Steve's Mom's house to go swimming. Then they were going to go to Putt-Putt, but hey went to dinner first, and Peyton got sick. I hope she is okay...hopefully it was just something she ate, or ate too much, rather than having a virus or something. Unfortunately, Ash got really upset that Putt-Putt had to be cancelled due to Pey being sick...I had a talk to her after Ally dropped her off trying to explain that it's not Pey's fault that they couldn't play Putt-Putt and that things happen. she seemed to grasp it a little better. I felt bad that Ash got mad at Pey for being sick. Hopefully she understands a little better. I'll have to check in with Pey in the morning to be sure she is okay.

Lorena came today....awwww, a clean house, I love it! And she gave Ash a Princess Jasmine hairdo, it's like a french twist on each side and comes together in the back into a pony tail. Very cute!!

Gosh, not much else to report. I'll upload another video in the next day or two from Ashleigh's birthday party. I was so mad because my battery died literally right at the moment we started singing Happy birthday...grrrr!!!

Sleep Tight!

My Dearest Ashleigh...

...Happy 5th Birthday Baby Girl. So many things run through my mind on this day, the day you turn 5 years old. 5 years of incredible emotions...happiness, frustration, learning, sassiness, proud, humble, but most of all LOVE. We love you so much and can't even believe how much you have grown and how much our little Punkin' has drastically affected or lives. You have brought us so much joy in your short 5 years and we can't wait to see what the rest of your life brings. You were born at 1:58 in the afternoon via c-section after I failed to progress in labor. I went into labor on my own at 10:00 pm the night before and labored for nearly 16 hours. Daddy and I were so disappointed when the doctor said he wanted to deliver you immediately since you were stuck in my pelvis and not dropping any further. In hindsight, after knowing how large you were (10 lbs 11 ozs) it was a blessing that I didn't have to labor in vain any longer. The emotion that flooded us when we saw and heard your voice for the 1st time in that operating room is inexplicable...our 1st born...August 11, 2008. We Love you, Ashleigh Shea!!

We had a nice birthday party for Ash at a place called Leapin' Lizards. It's an indoor bounce house place that has a huge playscape, slides, obstacle courses, etc. All of the kids, and even the adults, seemed to have a lot of fun. At the end, we got 40 minutes in the party room, which was a little rushed, but I wanted to feed everybody, so we had pizza and cake. Unfortunately, there wasn't enough time to open her presents there, so we did it when we got home. Brian's family and the Harris' came over to watch, which was nice. Everyone was beyond generous with her gifts. She received so much stuff, and she loved everything. I'm going to steal my friend, Deena's idea, and put her 5 year photos in the thank you cards...I just received the disc today. The pictures (Ash's 5 year and Addy's 6 month) came out real good. Kandice is utterly brilliant behind the lens! I will share those photos soon.

I took off work today and Brian took off half a day today to spend the day with Ashleigh for her birthday and a general "Ashleigh Day" before she starts kindergarten. I let her pick whatever she wanted...I had suggested going to get her violin rented, the zoo, Putt-Putt, the water park...and without me even suggesting it she chose Chuck-E-Cheese. Oh lord...but okay. By the time Brian got home, he convinced her that the Incredible Pizza company in Euless would be a much better choice. Good job Brian!! We've been there a couple of times and it is much more tolerable than Chuck-E-Cheese. The York's were going to Putt-Putt since Steve is on vacation this week and Ash was talking to PeyPey on the phone when she was wishing her Happy Birthday and Ash invited PeyPey to go with us. She is in a bad habit of not asking Mommy first...but okay, it was her birthday and she was begging if Pey could go with us. So the Yorks decided to come along to make Ash happy. We spent about 3 hours there and had a real good time with our Birthday Girl. Then we came home. Ash wanted Wendy's for dinner...okay, it's her birthday...chicken nuggets and a frosty.

Tonight we changed her earrings out for the 1st time...we got her some for her birthday. My goodness, you would have thought we were asking her to detach her ear 1st!! She was crying so hard and covering her ears so tightly....but finally, success!!! She chose the little yellow flowers. Hopefully, this task will get easier. I even let her put earrings in my ears 1st.

Do you guys like my new blog background? My friend, Meredith, had changed hers, and it's so cute that I went to the website she did to pick out a new one...there are only a gazillion to choose from, it was a hard decision. I've been wanting to change it up, but could never find an easy website to get backgrounds from one that had really cute ones. So thank you, Mer, for letting me follow your step.

Here's some photos from Ash's party. This 1st one is Brian taking Addy down the slide with him. She didn't know what to think about that wild ride!

RC and Kevin:

Ash looking pretty beat!

Sydney and Mer's daughter, Allie:

PeyPey and Steve:

Ash and Jaydon going down the slide together:

Ash in her new Princess Belle Nightgown compliments of Deena:

Happy Birthday Baby Girl. Sleep Tight!

Happy 7 Months Addy

I'm not going to do a long post tonight, I just wanted to wish my Baby Girl a Happy 7 Months today. I can't believe how fast this 1st year is going by, it's ridiculous to even comprehend. I LOVE you, Addyson Shealeigh!!

Video Of The Day

I wanted to post another video from a few weeks ago. Ash was just sprawled out across my office drawing letters, so I captured a tidbit of it.

I worked until 9:45 last night to meet a rushed deadline. Luckily I got it all done. But I am quite tired today. It's 10:05 right now and I am so ready to crawl into bed! Brian is watching Scare Tactics getting some new ideas. He loves this stuff!!

The Girls went to Dad's house today for a day of swimming and hanging out. I could tell they wore themselves out because Ash was like a zombie tonight just chilling on the couch. And she was being klutzy...dropping everything she held! It was funny.

I'm so bummed that "Flippin Out" is over for the season. I curse Ally for getting me hooked on that show with only 3 episodes left in the season. But it is a really good show! Jeff Lewis is completely insane!! But it's sooo uncomfortable but hysterical to watch him in action! You should check it out if you haven't seen it yet...it's on Bravo.

BB10...I really despise Jessie. I was disappointed to see him act so compassionately toward Michelle when she had to wear the leotard, because it makes it hard to hate him. He was so sweet trying to make her feel better. But God, he is so arrogant!!! And Michelle...I CAN NOT believe the way she acted when had to wear the leotard. It's a GAME people, get a grip girl!! Geesh! I wonder if she's still moping around.

Gotta get to bed! Sleep Tight!!

Let's See...

...What's been going on lately around here? Not a whole lot so this shouldn't take long. I started this blog yesterday by uploading the video below, but am just now geting around to actually typing up a blog.

Today my Program Manager (my boss' boss) was in town for a meeting at the USACE (US Army Corps of Engineers for those of you who don't habla, ha!) and she had a little bit of time before her flight back, so she stopped by for her 1st visit to the Ft. Worth branch of the San Antonio office (I named my little 150 square foot office, ha!) She stayed for about an hour and we had a nice visit. She is such an awesome person and she expressed how much everyone at the company likes me, so that was nice! It's always nice to know that the people you work for really like you! I really like them too! My company is so awesome...they are so flexible with everything. I mean really, I work at home and they allow me to care for my kids on the job. I know it takes me 10-12 hours to get in my 8 hours, but really, how awesome is that!?!?! Anyway, hopefully my employment with AGEISS will last a LONG time!

Ashleigh had her next scheduled appointment with the ENT last Thursday. She's been going regularly since her ear drum rupture last summer (totally independent from her tubes and other ear problems). And can I please get a "HALLELUJAH"!!!! No surgery, she is completely healed..it only took 13 months. That was music to my ears! He said she didn't have to come back unless she started having problems. I am very happy for some "ear normalcy" which we haven't had since Ash was 1 year old. Ashleigh, I am so very proud of you for fighting your ear problems with such calm and you have been so brave!

We have also decided that Ash will start music lessons in September. I just assumed she would play piano since that's where everyone in our family starts but she wants to learn the violin. I keep asking her each day and she still says violin. Okay, Ash, violin it is. Of course, that will require renting an instrument since you have to be measured to get the right size violin and they grow out of them quickly, so there is no reason to purchase at this point. But that's okay. It's a fact that musicians do better in school, so whatever helps!

Let's see, what else? Have I mentioned it's hot? We broke a record yesterday...it was 107 degrees. That's pretty ridiculous. I worry about Brian working out in this heat. Especially when he is in the 150 degree attics. He comes home drenched every night, poor guy! He works so very hard, I pray it all pays off someday with a successful business.

My Aunt Vicki passed away a few days ago. She was 101 years old. I am so thankful we went to Atlantic City last summer and saw her. She had a fulfilled life and was a very unique woman. All of the "sisters" were unique. They are all upstairs together now, just how they were for decades upon decades here on Earth. My Dad will hopefully make it to her Memorial Service.

Here is a video of the girls performing their first duet together...Ash has had that piano for a few years now and STILL loves it. now it looks like Addy loves it too. Sometimes I put it on her highchair while she is in it and she just goes to town on that thing! Too funny!

I hope you all have a GREAT week! Sleep Tight!